15 Sheet-Pan Desserts That Feed a Crowd in December

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Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Bars

Cinnamon sugar cookie bars are a simple yet delicious treat, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. These bars have a soft and chewy texture, paired with a dusting of cinnamon-sugar on top. They are easy to prepare and are ideal for feeding a crowd during the festive season.

Recipe: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar until smooth. Add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing well. In a separate bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Spread the dough onto a greased sheet pan and bake for 18-20 minutes. After baking, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar and allow it to cool before slicing into bars.

Chocolate Chip Blondies

Chocolate chip blondies are a rich, buttery dessert filled with gooey chocolate chips. They offer a similar texture to brownies but have a lighter flavor thanks to the brown sugar and vanilla base. These are sure to be a hit with chocolate lovers.

Recipe: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. In another bowl, cream 1 cup of butter and 1 cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir in 1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips. Pour the batter into a greased sheet pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, then let it cool before slicing.

Pumpkin Spice Sheet Cake Bar

Pumpkin spice sheet cake bars are perfect for autumn and winter gatherings, combining the richness of pumpkin with the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These bars are light, fluffy, and topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting.

Recipe: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, beat 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of butter, 2 eggs, and 1 can of pumpkin puree until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Pour the batter into a greased sheet pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Once cooled, spread cream cheese frosting on top.

Lemon Blueberry Bars

Lemon blueberry bars are a refreshing and tangy treat, combining the tartness of lemon with the sweetness of blueberries. These bars offer a burst of fruity flavor and are perfect for serving a crowd during any festive occasion.

Recipe: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). For the crust, combine 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of butter. Press the mixture into a greased sheet pan and bake for 10 minutes. For the filling, whisk together 1 cup of sugar, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, and 1 1/2 cups of blueberries. Pour the filling over the baked crust and bake for 20-25 minutes, then allow to cool before cutting.

Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake

Apple cinnamon sheet cake is a comforting dessert, perfect for the colder months. The combination of soft cake, juicy apples, and cinnamon makes this treat a satisfying choice for any holiday gathering.

Recipe: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of butter, 2 eggs, and 1 cup of applesauce. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and fold in 1 1/2 cups of chopped apples. Pour the batter into a greased sheet pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. Let it cool before serving.

Chocolate Mousse Bars

Chocolate mousse bars are a decadent treat, with a creamy, airy mousse layer on top of a rich chocolate base. These bars offer the best of both worlds—a smooth texture with a bold chocolate flavor.

Recipe: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). For the crust, mix 1 1/2 cups of chocolate cookie crumbs, 1/2 cup of melted butter, and 1/4 cup of sugar. Press the mixture into a greased sheet pan and bake for 10 minutes. For the mousse, melt 8 ounces of dark chocolate and mix with 1 1/4 cups of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Spread the mousse over the cooled crust and refrigerate for 3 hours. Slice into bars before serving.

Gingerbread Blondies

Gingerbread blondies bring the spicy warmth of gingerbread into a chewy, soft bar. These bars are filled with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, making them an ideal treat for December.

Recipe: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. In another bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of molasses. Add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually add the dry ingredients and stir until smooth. Pour the batter into a greased sheet pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Allow it to cool before slicing.

Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan pie bars have the same delicious flavor as traditional pecan pie, but in a more convenient bar form. The sweet and nutty filling is perfectly balanced by the buttery crust, making them a great option for large gatherings.

Recipe: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). For the crust, combine 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of butter, and 1/4 cup of sugar. Press the mixture into a greased sheet pan and bake for 10 minutes. For the filling, whisk together 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of corn syrup, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of chopped pecans. Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Chocolate Peppermint Bark Bars

Chocolate peppermint bark bars combine the classic flavors of chocolate and peppermint in a convenient bar format. The combination of smooth chocolate and crunchy peppermint pieces creates a festive and refreshing treat.

Recipe: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). For the base, mix 1 1/2 cups of chocolate cookie crumbs, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and 1/4 cup of sugar. Press the mixture into a greased sheet pan and bake for 10 minutes. For the topping, melt 8 ounces of dark chocolate and spread it over the cooled crust. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the top and refrigerate for 2 hours. Slice into bars before serving.

Coconut Macaroon Bars

Coconut macaroon bars bring together the chewy texture of coconut and the sweetness of condensed milk in an easy-to-make dessert. These bars are simple to prepare and make a great addition to any holiday dessert spread.

Recipe: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of shredded coconut, 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Press the mixture into a greased sheet pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool before cutting into squares.

Carrot Cake Bars

Carrot cake bars are a moist and flavorful dessert, full of grated carrots, cinnamon, and walnuts. With a sweet cream cheese frosting on top, they are perfect for feeding a crowd during the holiday season. The cake’s spiced flavor and soft texture make it a comforting treat.

Recipe: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. In another bowl, beat 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 2 eggs until smooth. Add 2 cups of grated carrots and stir in the dry ingredients. Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts. Pour the batter into a greased sheet pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Once cooled, frost with cream cheese frosting.

Peanut Butter Cup Bars

Peanut butter cup bars are an indulgent dessert that combines the creamy flavor of peanut butter with a chocolate topping. These bars are rich and decadent, making them a perfect treat for any holiday celebration.

Recipe: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). For the crust, mix 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup of melted butter, and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. Press the mixture into a greased sheet pan and bake for 10 minutes. For the peanut butter layer, mix 1 cup of peanut butter, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and 1/4 cup of melted butter. Spread the peanut butter mixture over the cooled crust. Melt 1 cup of chocolate chips and pour over the peanut butter layer. Refrigerate for 2 hours before cutting.

Maple Pecan Cake Bars

Maple pecan cake bars are a sweet treat with a nutty crunch and a delightful maple flavor. Maple pecan cake bars are a sweet and nutty dessert with a rich maple flavor. The combination of soft cake and crunchy pecans makes them a crowd favorite during the winter months.

Recipe: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, beat 1/2 cup of butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 2 eggs until smooth. Add 1/2 cup of maple syrup and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients and stir in 1 cup of chopped pecans. Pour the batter into a greased sheet pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Allow it to cool before cutting into bars.

S’mores Bars

S’mores bars capture the delicious combination of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows in an easy-to-make dessert. S’mores bars bring the classic campfire treat into a convenient bar form. These bars are perfect for a cozy holiday gathering.

Recipe: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). For the crust, combine 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of melted butter. Press the mixture into a greased sheet pan and bake for 10 minutes. Layer 1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips over the crust and top with 2 cups of mini marshmallows. Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the marshmallows are golden brown. Let it cool before cutting into squares.

Cherry Almond Bars

Cherry almond bars offer a delightful combination of sweet cherries and nutty almonds. The soft, chewy texture of these bars, combined with the fruity and nutty flavors, makes them an excellent choice for any holiday dessert table.

Recipe: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of butter, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 egg until smooth. Add 1 teaspoon of almond extract and gradually incorporate the dry ingredients. Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped almonds and 1 cup of maraschino cherries, chopped. Pour the batter into a greased sheet pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let it cool before cutting into bars.

 This article originally appeared on Avocadu.